Moderators: Neil Ball - Directed Light and Geoff Shannon - Coherent Inc.
Industrial Lasers Overview: Fiber, Disk and Diode
Several of the most common laser technologies will be presented with an explanation of their mode of operation, distinctive characteristics and typical applications. Laser welding processes have been used for over 40 years. Many laser technologies have emerged to solve the most demanding challenges. From the high-power CO2 lasers to the more recent technologies such as high-power diode, disk and fiber lasers, each laser technology brings different advantages making welding processes more efficient.
JP Lavoie, Ph.D. – Coherent
Introduction to Industrial Laser Welding
An introduction into the basics of laser welding will cover the typical welding laser sources and the three modes of laser welding- keyhole, conduction, and penetration mode. Also covered will be the beam delivery options for laser welding systems from simple to more complex. Finally, the types of laser beam system monitoring equipment will be surveyed.
Thomas Kugler - Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
Laser Hot Wire Processing
Laser Hotwire Processing combines a resistance-heated filler wire and a laser beam; working together in a single molten pool. This process has been around for decades with various limitations. In recent times, advancements in lasers and welding power sources has improved performance, reliability, and flexibility. The flexibility of laser hotwire lends itself to a vast variety of materials and applications throughout many different industries. Whether it be brazing, cladding, additive manufacturing, or welding, hotwire laser can be implemented to improve production rates and quality.
Michael Latessa - Lincoln Electric
Laser Cutting, An Overview from Fundamentals to New Development Trends
This presentation is designed to help equipment purchase decision makers, design engineers, and machine operators gain a good understanding of the fundamentals of fiber laser cutting, learn main process parameters and equipment factors improving cutting quality and throughput, and get introduced to the most recent developments and future trends of laser cutting.
Rouzbeh Sarrafi, Ph.D. - IPG Photonics
Understanding Fiber Lasers Functions and Capabilities
Understanding the full range of functions and capabilities of a fiber laser system and how this technology can apply on your shop floor.
Dustin Diehl - Amada America, US
Advanced Beam Control Strategies in Fiber Laser Processing
Innovative beam control strategies with fiber lasers are discussed covering new and increased process capabilities. Beam shaping control with adjustable mode fiber lasers in welding can eliminate spatter, cracking and porosity at speeds unattainable by other methods. Separately we show how round and square core fiber options allow improved utilization of high average power and high pulse energy fiber lasers, leading to increased throughput and improved process window. Dynamic beam position control with wobble heads allows for high quality welding of difficult materials such as aluminum and copper as well as dissimilar metal combinations while reducing part fit up and alignment requirements. Examples are shown including with a handheld wobble welding head for consistent high quality manual welding.
Rouzbeh Sarrafi, Ph.D. - IPG Photonics
Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology Overview of Laser Metal Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (DED)
The use of conventional manufacturing methods is mainly limited by the size of the production run and the geometrical complexity of the component, and as a result, we are occasionally forced to use processes and tools that increase the final cost of the element being produced. Additive manufacturing techniques provide major competitive advantages due to the fact that they adapt to the geometrical complexity and customized design of the part to be manufactured. The following may also be achieved according to field of application: lighter weight products, ergonomic products, efficient short production runs, fewer assembly errors and, therefore, lower associated costs, lower tool investment costs, a combination of different manufacturing processes, an optimized use of materials, and a more sustainable manufacturing process. This presentation will expand on Laser Metal Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (DED) technology and its recent developments.
Roland Spiegelhalder, M.Sc. – TRUMPF Inc.